I remember the first plane ride. We were flying to a whole new planet it seemed like. Our home for three months. We were just getting to know each other. You know the awkward ice breakers. "How many siblings do you have?" , "Are you a dog or cat person"?. There was a total of 17 of us all from completely different back grounds with one thing in common. We were studying abroad in Ireland, in the country, a 20 min walk to the closest town (with two convenient stores, 3 pubs, and one church) and a five minute walk to the beach. We would be living, sleeping, eating, traveling, and going to classes with the same 17 students. We all got along pretty well considering the circumstances.
1. Expanding the Definition of “Fun”
Thank you for showing me that there are countless ways to have fun even if it involves not remembering it in the morning. Even though that was never me, watching it was quite entertaining. The nights where locals dragged us in front of the musicians and danced to the song “Galway girl” definitely expanded on the definition of “Fun”
2. Countless TBT
Thank you for the crazy memories. Every Memory I have of Ireland, you all are in and 99.9% of them are amazing. Even though I wasn’t too hot on the idea of going on a boat in the middle of the ocean, in the cold Irish, Atlantic climate. Deep sea fishing happened to be one of the highlights. The weather dealt us its best day in our favor. The amount of adventures we had together, gives us enough “Throw Back Thursdays” to last our whole life.
3. Instagram Perfect
Thank you for the beautiful pictures. Each one is laced with memories and laughter. The pictures may just be perfect Instagram pictures to the common eye, but to us we each know the memories behind each picture. We relive our experience through these pictures and memories. Thank you for creating amazing background stories.
4. Having Each Other’s Back
Thank you for how caring each and every one of you were. Taking care of each other when one was sick or lost for that sake. Also, for the countless times we had to make sure we had everyone around. The bonds that were created, are beautiful.
5. Being the Extra Hand
When someone had something going on back in the States, you were there for hugs and listening. Thank you for the time you picked someone up at the airport in Vienna after a long four days in the States for a family emergency and the countless times of helping people get their minds off of things. The Irish accents and singing country songs on the way home in a taxi definitely did the trick.
6. Expanding my world
Before I studied abroad, I was a little close minded because of the small world we know when at home, but you all helped me see that we all deal with life as it comes in different ways. You taught me not to worry and to relax and have fun in your own way. You also taught me to live life on the edge a little, but to not fall off.
7. The family
Thank you for the close relationships we all have with one another. The surprise parties, the pot lucks, the birthday dinners, the family football games, the walks, the movie nights, the long days on the rock beach, the lock rooms, fun taxi rides and the times we traveled on sketchy Ryan Air flights with a team of Attractive, Scottish rugby players. Thank you most of all for being the new friends away from old friends, the home away from home, and the family away from family.
So thank you. You made my study abroad experience a thing I will never forget, and I will always hold a special place for all of you and Ireland in my heart. And to anyone reading this, if you have the chance to study abroad, you will always have a close bond with these people and you will never look back or regret studying abroad.
